A hub based computer system having a central hub that communicates with a plurality
of satellite devices over respective link buses. Each link bus is substantially
the same and adheres to a predefined link bus protocol. The satellite devices are
also connected to industry standard buses/devices. All components within the system
are capable of communicating with each other through the hub. Each link bus includes
a status line that allows each device connected to the same link bus to accept,
deny, or delay a data transfer on the link bus. If accepted, the same status line
can be used by the transferor and target of a data transfer, if necessary, to stall
or pace the transfer as needed. The link bus protocol establishes a window in which
the status line may convey data transfer disconnecting or pacing status information.
The protocol further includes a method of retrying or aborting transfers based
on the disconnecting status information.
